The School of Essential Ingredients

by Erica Bauermeister

Berkley Trade

Paperback, 9780425232095, 272pp.

Take one look at this gorgeous cover and I’ll wager you’d love to be sitting on that beautiful bench, enjoying the scenery and life around you, holding yourself back just one more moment before heading inside so you can savor the anticipation of a delicious, sensual experience!

The School of Essential Ingredients, written by Erica Bauermeister, introduces us to Lillian and the students attending her cooking class.  From an early age, Lillian was drawn to the kitchen, and discovered the magic in food and its preparation.  As an adult, she shares that magic with her students and we’re lucky enough to receive some ourselves.

Each chapter in the book is devoted to a different student.  Lillian chooses a new assistant from the class each week and we grow closer to that person as through each lesson they discover more about themselves, their relationship with food and the people in their lives.  As we witness Lillian’s uncanny ability to read her students and nudge them in the right direction, in the kitchen and in life, I found myself wishing I could sign up for the next session.

I hesitate in giving too many details because I don’t want to spoil the fun and magic you’ll find in this nourishing and refreshing novel.  It’s a quick read and you won’t regret the time you’ve spent between its covers.  Erica Bauermeister’s next novel can not come soon enough!

Rating
Story
A sensuous and well-crafted story you'll want to read again.
Book Cover
Beautiful and inviting.

Overall
Truly magic. You'll feel the glow, I promise!

(Originally posted at Sweet Reads on 5/24/10.)

All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome

By Kathy Hoopman

Jessica Kingsley Publishers

November 2006

Two of my great loves, my son and kitties, all wrapped up in one delightful book! When I saw the cover, I snatched it up before you could say, “Kathy Hoopmann is a genius!”

In All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome, Ms. Hoopman has perfectly paired photos of the adorable feline community with the traits of those with Asperger Syndrome (“AS”). You learn about the characteristics that set people with AS apart and some of the obstacles they face. But you’ll soon see why those very same traits can help them rise to the top of their chosen careers and make them uniquely qualified to bring much light into this world.

I wish this book had been available when my son was much younger as I’m sure he would have found himself in its pages. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is touched by AS, be it by a family member, friend, classmate or self; and those who aren’t familiar will surely gain a better understanding of what it means to live with Asperger Syndrome.

Rating
Story
Accurately describes many of the characteristics of Asperger's Syndrome.
Book Cover
Come on. How much cuter could it be!

Overall
This book is excellent for kids and adults. I only wish it would have been published earlier!

(Originally posted at Sweet Reads on 4/30/10.)

Ghastly Glass (Renaissance Faire Mystery)

Authors: Joyce and Jim Lavene

Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime

312 pages

The story:

In this second book of the Renaissance Faire Mystery series, Jessie Morton, an assistant professor at a local college, continues her research on Renaissance crafts by becoming an apprentice at the Glass Gryphon, one of the shops at Renaissance Village.

When the Grim Reaper, or the man playing him, is killed, Jessie takes it upon herself to track down the killer. Halloween hijinx make it difficult to determine what is real and what is fake in this place of make believe. The message “Death shall find thee,” which was found on the Grim Reaper’s robe, starts appearing all over the village and no one is sure if it’s a warning from the killer or just part of the scary decorations.

Will Jessie find the answers in time to stop the killer from striking again?

My thoughts:

What could be a more fun setting for a mystery than the Renaissance Faire? Ghastly Glass captures the magic of swashbuckling pirates and fluttering fairies, peasants and pageantry, and the many shoppes boasting beautiful wares that make up a Renaissance village. When Halloween hits the village, craziness ensues.

I enjoyed the main character, Jessie, but didn’t like that she seemed to be the only intelligent character in the book. For me, it’s difficult to read a book where everyone is being duped except the hero or heroine. Can so many people be wrong? But, even the hero or heroine can be duped so never assume anything.

My favorite character in Ghastly Glass is the man who took over the role of Grim Reaper. I can’ say much without saying TOO much but if you read the story, you’ll understand why.

There were a few red herrings thrown in to the story which are a must in any self-respecting cozy mystery. Unfortunately, I was disappointed in the ending. It felt a bit thrown together and sophomoric. I know the writing team of Joyce and Jim Lavene have written some terrific stories but I think this one could have been better.

If you’re into the world of Renaissance and don’t mind a few story quibbles, Ghastly Glass has some fun moments and an endearing character you’ll hope to see again.

Bonus: Recipes & fun facts are included.

Rating: ♦♦♦½

First in Series:
Wicked Weaves: A Renaissance Faire Mystery

Homicide in Hardcover: A Bibliophile Mystery

Author: Kate Carlisle

Publisher: Signet (February 3, 2009)

304 pages

The story:

Brooklyn Wainwright is a book doctor extraordinaire. Faded, brittle leather and crusty, smelly pages are like heaven for Brooklyn. The daughter of two 60′s flower children who moved their family to a California commune, Brooklyn discovers her talent for book restoration under the mentorship of family friend, Abraham Karastovsky.

Brooklyn and Abraham didn’t speak for several months after Brooklyn decided to strike out on her own in the world of book binding but their relationship is restored on the eve of a celebration for Abraham’s latest book restoration. Their reunion is short-lived, however, when later that evening, Brooklyn finds her mentor lying in a pool of blood. With his final words, he gives her a cryptic message, along with a priceless, and cursed, copy of Goethe’s Faust.

She becomes a prime suspect in Abraham’s murder since she was the last person at the scene of the crime. To exonerate herself, Brooklyn must find the real killer. Could Abraham’s final words be a clue or do they refer to something else entirely?

My thoughts:

Brooklyn sorts through a handful of possible suspects while trying not to end up dead herself. With the help of British security officer Derek Stone, she gets the job done. Little help, I should say. One of my few quibbles with this story, is that Mr. Stone seems to just show up in time to get Brooklyn out of trouble (although you’ll find the detective/cop/love interest doing this in other cozy mysteries as well). We really know nothing about him. I hope in future books he does more than just look and sound sexy.

I enjoyed Brooklyn’s fun sense of humor, she had me laughing out loud, and complete love of her craft. Book binding and the book arts are a recently discovered interest of mine and it was fun to read about some of the tools and techniques used in these fields.

Homicide in Hardcover is a fun read with an engaging heroine and some kooky characters, like Brooklyn’s hippie parents, Guru Bob, and and her quirky neighbors. The plot suffers slighty from a measure of predictability but the ending might come as a surprise. This series holds much promise and I look forward to reading Ms. Carlisle’s next book.

Rating: ♦♦♦♦½

Vanished (Greywalker, Book 4)

by Kat Richardson

Publisher: Roc Hardcover

368 pages

The story:

Our heroine, Harper Blaine, PI, begins having visions leading her to believe she should visit her mother in the hope that she’ll discover clues about her past and why she became a Greywalker, one who walks between the two worlds. As she sorts through some of her father’s possessions, she learns that he was not the man she remembered but if she can just find a way to contact his spirit, she might have the answers she seeks.

Her trip down memory lane is cut short when Edward, leader of the vampires in Seattle, requires her assistance in locating his business partner in London and finding out why he’s been suddenly cut off from his assets there. Is someone trying to take over his position as leader of the vamps? Since Harper’s ex Will is now living in London and she’s been having disturbing dreams about him, she agrees to accept Edward’s job offer so she can check on Will’s safety.

Harper makes an unlikely alliance during her mission. She also runs into an old enemy whose plans must be thwarted before she can return to Seattle. And she must hurry, as she’s worried about Quentin, friend, undergrounder and techie whiz, and the craziness going on back home.

What does Harper discover about Edward’s European interests and how does it relate to her becoming a Greywalker? Or does it? What’s going on with Will? And, what will she find when she returns back home?

My thoughts:

I’ve enjoyed the Greywalker series and have been eager to find out more about Harper’s past and why her brief death gave her the ability to see into the Grey and interact with spirits. Harper is one of my all time favorite characters. She’s tough and doesn’t shy from trouble, and she’ll see things through to the end. I like that she seems to have a laid back demeanor and doesn’t whine and bitch when something goes wrong. Her sharp wit and sense of purpose help see her through some crazy situations.

This book delves into Harper’s strained relationship with her mother and we learn more about the father she lost so young. We can feel her loss as her beliefs about her past crumble and disappear with each new discovery. Yet her desire to find answers, and the support from a friend, keep her moving forward.

There’s a good amount of action in this story. The pace held up well, with each scene playing an integral role in the whole. New characters are introduced that I hope will be explored in future books in the series. The ending will have you wanting more as every good story should. I look forward to Book 5 and I know you will, too!

Rating: ♦♦♦♦♦

Uncommon Grounds

by Sandra Balzo

Publisher: Worldwide Library

245 pages

The story:

Maggie Thorsen, former PR exec and current partner in Uncommon Grounds, walks into her new coffee shop on opening day only to discover her partner Patricia dead, death by espresso machine. Who could have killed Patricia, and what does this mean for the future of the shop?

Signs point to their third partner and friend, Caron, as the possible killer but Maggie won’t believe it and sets out to save her friend and their business. During her mission to find the murderer and save Uncommon Grounds, Maggie discovers more than she bargained for, including marital affairs, objectionable politic maneuvers, and an unexpected attraction to the most bothersome character in town.

Will Maggie’s meddling go too far? Was Patricia really the intended victim? And, does Uncommon Grounds have a future or will it take the espress route to bittersville?

My thoughts:

I originally read this book because I’d discovered there was another coffeehouse series published besides Cleo Coyle’s Coffee House Mystery series and I wanted to see how they’d differ. As you can see from my current banner, I love coffee, and the coffee house setting feels like home to me.

Let’s just say right now that Sandra Balzo is a hoot! I love the series’ heroine, Maggie, because we see her faults and love her anyway. She’s got a good heart, the desire for justice, and the cajones to do the dirty work required to ferret out the truth. I especially enjoyed her relationship with Frank, her dog, and the way she knocked Sheriff Pavlik down a peg or two when she’d had enough of his bullying.

Plenty of red herrings keep the reader from guessing who the killer is, which I appreciated since all too often I figure it out early and am then left with deciding whether or not to finish the book. As Maggie uncovers clue after possible clue, she discovers her Brookhill community and the people she cares for are not all they seem. I liked that she was willing to risk danger to get to the truth but at times she seemed reckless and a bit naive. Gotta love her, though, and the humor throughout this book is reason enough to read it.

You won’t be disappointed in Sandra Balzo’s Uncommon Grounds. It’s a fun read that keeps you guessing. I know I look forward to the next book in the series, Grounds for Murder (Maggy Thorsen Mysteries).

Rating: ♦♦♦♦♦

Any Given Doomsday (The Phoenix Chronicles, Book 1)

Author: Lori Handeland

Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks

Elizabeth Phoenix once used her unique skills as a psychic to help in the Milwaukee Police Department’s fight against injustice. But when Liz’s foster mother is found viciously murdered – and Liz is discovered unconscious at the scene of the crime – her only memory of what happened comes in the form of terrifying dreams…of creatures more horrific than anything Liz has seen in real life. What do these visions mean? And what in the world do they have to do with her former lover, Jimmy Sanducci?

While the police question Jimmy in the murder, he opens Liz’s eyes to a supernatural war that has raged since the dawn of time in which innocent people are hunted by malevolent beings disguised as humans. Only a chosen few have the ability to fight their evil, and Jimmy believes Liz is among them. Now, with her senses heightened, new feelings are rising within Liz – ones that re-ignite her dangerous attraction to Jimmy. But Jimmy has a secret that will rock Liz to her core…and put the survival of the human race in peril!

“Sexy, dangerous, and a hot-as-hell page-turner!” ~ L.A. Banks, author of the Vampire Huntress Legends series.

One thing I can say about Any Given Doomsday is that I never really knew where the characters would end up at the end of the book. Our heroine, Elizabeth Phoenix (“Liz”), discovers early on that her world is not what she previously believed it to be. Angels and demons are real, as is the final battle between them, and she quickly learns she’ll play an important role in that battle. Liz is psychic. She can see things by touch. In her dying moment, Liz’s foster mother, Ruthie, gives her a gift beyond her present abilities but she’s not sure what that gift is or what it means. Enter, Jimmy Sanducci.

Liz still harbors feelings for her former lover but remembers how they split and is none too pleased when she learns they must now work together for the benefit of mankind. We’re talking global here. But Jimmy’s not the man he once was… literally! How is she to fight against the darker forces, vampires, shapeshifters and more, that have become all too real when she’s not sure which team Jimmy’s on?

In order to learn about her new gift, Jimmy delivers Liz to the home of her former mentor, Sawyer, who also happens to be the most powerful being known to either of them. Liz is afraid of Sawyer but much is revealed during her stay with him and I found myself caring for him more than any other character in this book. I don’t think that was intended but we’re given glimpses of Sawyer that shed light on his demeanor and behavior. Heck, maybe I’m just a softie for dark, complex characters!

Once Liz’s new powers are revealed, she receives a vision of the man(?) behind the recent deaths of others like her, and also discovers that her former lover Jimmy is in trouble. She’s off to his rescue and what she hopes is a successful mission to stop evil in its tracks. Will she succeed?

I originally bought this book because the story sounded interesting, a little different from others in the same genre. A good portion of this story is spent on Liz’s discovery of her gifts and why she’ll need them. That’s all well and good but I would have preferred less explanation and exploration and more action, more story. Some of the characters were intriguing (Sawyer), but I did not find myself caring for many of them, especially the main characters, the way I should have.

At one point near the end, the story took on a surreal vibe that had me wondering if I was dropped into the middle of another book, but the author scooped me out and brought me back in enough time to witness the conclusion.

It is clear this author is talented and had a great idea in this story but it could use better pacing and more likable characters.

Rating: ♦♦♦